A Micro-Journal by T.S. Bauk
MICRO-JOURNAL CHALLENGES
For years I wished that I could journal, but I found it a difficult habit to start. The thought of sitting down every day and writing profound musings or a comprehensive report of the day was overwhelming. I didn't always know what to write, and even when I did write, I often deleted my journal entries afterward, so there was no actual record of my journaling.
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Giving myself micro-journaling challenges helped this. By limiting myself to one paragraph, I made journaling seem less time consuming and intimidating. By giving myself a list of topics or questions before the month started, I prevented writer's block when I sat down to journal and encouraged a more natural flow of words. And by setting rules like the "no deletion" rule, I curbed my tendencies toward perfectionism. Here are some challenges that I have done, or plan to do.
ORIGINAL MICRO-JOURNAL CHALLENGE
Write one paragraph per day, for 30 days, answering a pre-determined question each day. You may not write more than one paragraph. You may not delete posts after the month is complete.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY CHALLENGE
Write about one significant memory every day. Journal entries may be no longer than 500 words.
DREAM CHALLENGE
For those who are using journaling as a way to get in touch with themselves, or for those who want to start journaling first thing in the morning, in this challenge you will write about your dreams for 30 days. Prompts will be provided for days with no dreams. Journal entries are limited to 500 words.
GLIMMER CHALLENGE
For those using journaling to manage emotions or create a moment of calm during the day, the Glimmer Challenge encourages you to take time during the day to enjoy life through noticing pleasant sensations. Journal entries are limited by time, rather than length. Images and sounds are provided for those who need inspiration.
POLYGLOT CHALLENGE
For those who are learning another language, here is an opportunity to build your journaling habit and practice your language skills.
PHOTO ESSAY CHALLENGE
For those who want to journal, but struggle with words, the Photo Essay Challenge encourages you to build a journaling practice through images. Each day you will add one image that encapsulates your day, including an explanatory caption.
MYTHS AND LEGENDS CHALLENGE
For those who want to tell stories, but don't know what to tell the story about, this challenge encourages writers to determine what characters and events the "story starter" image represents, and to build a story from that.
THE READER'S CHALLENGE
For those who want to relive high school English class or build a reading habit in addition to a journaling habit, this challenge offers a selection of short readings with response questions to use as journal prompts.
"TRY NEW THINGS" CHALLENGE
For those who want to journal but can't think of anything in their life worth talking about, the "Try New Things" gives you a list of new things to try. These new experiences will serve as a content generator for your journaling prompts.
THE GRATITUDE CHALLENGE
Everyone from magazines to therapists to spiritual advisors says that a great way to improve your life is to "cultivate gratitude." One method for this that is often suggested is a gratitude journal. For those who have always rolled their eyes at the idea of a gratitude journal, maybe now is the time. This challenge encourages writers to micro-journal and gives guided questions for those who need inspiration.
THE CURRENT EVENTS CHALLENGE
The Current Events Challenge invites people to respond to the problems and events these see in their community, beginning with the journal and transitioning into a single action that the writer can take to contribute to their community.
THE RESEARCH CHALLENGE
The Research Challenge gives journalers an opportunity to practice journaling while learning about something that interests them.
THE CREATIVITY CHALLENGE
This challenge encourages the journaler to discover new means of self-expression, by giving a creative task every day.